If salivary amylase is lacking in the saliva which of the following

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if salivary amylase is lacking in the saliva which of the following

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LectureNotes said if salivary amylase is lacking in the saliva which of the following

Answer:

Salivary amylase, also known as ptyalin, is an enzyme present in saliva that initiates the digestion of starches (complex carbohydrates) into simpler sugars like maltose and dextrin. If salivary amylase is lacking in the saliva, the following consequences might occur:

  1. Reduced Initial Starch Digestion:

    • The primary role of salivary amylase is to break down starches in the mouth. Without this enzyme, the initial phase of starch digestion would be significantly hindered. This means that complex carbohydrates would not begin to break down into simpler sugars until they reach the small intestine, where pancreatic amylase takes over.

  2. Increased Workload for Pancreatic Amylase:

    • The pancreas secretes pancreatic amylase into the small intestine to continue the digestion of carbohydrates. If salivary amylase is absent, the pancreatic amylase would have to compensate for the entire process, potentially leading to a more significant digestive burden on the pancreas.

  3. Potential Digestive Discomfort:

    • The absence of salivary amylase might result in larger, undigested starch molecules reaching the intestines. This could lead to digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and possibly diarrhea, as these larger molecules are fermented by intestinal bacteria.

  4. Altered Taste Perception:

    • Salivary amylase contributes to the breakdown of starches into simpler sugars, which can influence the taste of starchy foods. Without this enzyme, starchy foods might taste less sweet, altering the overall sensory experience of eating.

  5. Nutrient Absorption:

    • Although the primary digestion of starches occurs in the small intestine, the absence of salivary amylase might slightly delay the overall digestive process. However, this would not significantly impact the absorption of nutrients, as the small intestine is highly efficient in nutrient absorption.

In summary, if salivary amylase is lacking in the saliva, the immediate digestion of starches in the mouth would be compromised, leading to a greater reliance on pancreatic amylase for carbohydrate digestion in the small intestine. This could result in minor digestive discomfort and altered taste perception of starchy foods but would not drastically affect overall nutrient absorption.